Australian skeleton found in Kupang

KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A villager accidentally discovered over the weekend the skeletal remains of an Australian soldier killed during World War II.

The villager, whom Antara did not identify, was digging the foundation of his house when he found the skeleton of P.T.E. Pinkerton R, a member of the Australian Infantry Force (AIF).

Also found was a cross, his identification tag, chevrons, a watch and false teeth. It was believed he was buried in February 1942.

An Australian tourist, Wayne Brown, informed by the residents, estimated Pinkerton was about 45 years old when he died.

"We cannot identify his military rank, but it is obvious that he was an Australian," Antara quoted the museum curator as saying Friday.

Australian Ambassador to Indonesia John McCarty who happened to be on a visit in Kupang, was informed about the finding.

Local residents said the residential area was very likely a former military cemetery for Australian soldiers during World War II. (06)